A promising summer full of new signings and fresh expectations meant that Sunderland were hoping for one of their most successful Premier League seasons ever.

These expectations were not met by the team however, but the appointment of Martin O'Neill after the sacking of Steve Bruce could prove to be the light at the end of the tunnel for the Black Cats supporters.

August

New signing Sebastian Larsson earned a 1-1 draw against Liverpool on the opening day of the season, but this impressive display was not a sign of thing to come for Steve Bruce's side.

A 1-0 home defeat to fierce rivals Newcastle was followed by a Carling Cup exit at the hands of Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion.

August ended with a fortuitous goalless draw at Swansea City and murmurs of discontent could be heard around the club after they failed to hold onto striker Asamoah Gyan.

September

The month began with a home loss to Chelsea but fortunes on the pitch looked to have improved as the Black Cats ran out 4-0 winners against Stoke City at the Stadium of Light.

However, Sunderland failed to find the consistency Steve Bruce craved as they lost to Norwich 2-1 at Carrow Road.

October

Sunderland found themselves two goals down to West Brom after five minutes but rallied to earn a draw. However, the momentum could not be carried into the next came as they lost 2-1 against Arsenal.

Bruce earned a brief rest from the critical fans as his side beat Bolton away from home and then earned a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.

November

A Wes Brown own goal against former club Manchester United condemned Sunderland to a 1-0 defeat at the beginning of November followed by a disappointing goalless draw at home to Fulham.

Franco Di Santo scored an injury time winner to earn Wigan a 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light after a defensive mistake.

The defeat to Wigan proved to be the final straw as pressure from the Sunderland fans continued and the board dismissed Bruce after more than two years in the role.

December

The start of December saw Martin O'Neill replace Bruce at the Stadium of Light but he could only watch from the stands as Wolves beat Sunderland 2-1 at Molineux.

O'Neill won his first match in charge thanks to a stoppage time free kick from Larsson to earn a 2-1 triumph over fellow strugglers Blackburn.

The honeymoon period then came to a sudden stop for Martin O'Neill as Spurs edged a 1-0 win at White Hart Lane.

Sunderland soon recovered, however, as they recorded an impressive 3-2 away win against QPR and only a harsh penalty stopped them from beating Everton on Boxing Day.